How do you persuade your parents to get you a pet rat?

Answers

Sadly,you usually don't. Often,if it takes persuasion to have a pet, parents have something against getting pets. Something like rats, many take as just vermin dirty creatures even though pet rats are far form that. Might be other issues with parents knowing your responsibility level.
Last thing parents want is to care for some animal you may tire of or decide their care is too much work.
My parents were a bit nature and animal lovers, we had a number of farm sort animals, a dog, couple cats. Didn't really mind my keeping small animals, mostly bugs in younger years.
I rescued a baby orphaned mouse, first mom said no,but couldn't see just killing it. when she caved, the rule was if it smelled, it was gone.
Turned out to be the best pet ever and when my parents saw my dedication and responsibility, ratties were no problem. Now I presume you know you should keep rats in pairs or more, and they can live 3 years or better so this is a commitment for the long run.
If parents are just against rats, have patience, wait till you have your own place, then it is your call. You will still want them, I have had dozens across decades and still would keep them.

Start by showing them how responsible you are and that you can care for a pet on your own without their help. Help out around the house and start showing responsibility and after they notice this change bring up the conversation by explaining how you will care for it on your own.

I was lucky. My mom was not allowed pets growing up, so she let us have damn near anything we wanted when we were kids. It took a little coaxing for rats, though.

But at the end of the day, it's your parents' house and their rules and that's it. If you want to try, please note that it could be all for nothing, then you'll be mad and disappointed. You can raise the money yourself, clean the house, do your chores and homework without being told, try to tell them until you're blue in the face that a rat is a wonderful pet, but they still may not let you have one.

Or you can wait until you're on your own and get all the rats you want.

FYI: And the way it worked in my home was whatever we asked for, any test coming up, we had to get an A- or better. My mom was NOT messing around. There were times when I had to wait a few months for the animal I wanted, because along with taking care of the other animals, keeping up on chores and homework, this was another requirement from us to show that we were working our butts off and staying on top of things. Needless to say, math was not my strong point and those tests are what prevented me from some pets, LOL.

well, If I were your father I would ask you first of all this " you guarantee me that I will NOT see it around the house?
Second of all "what about the smell? How do you handle it?"
start thinking about these two things ;)

You might have an easier job convincing them of a kitten or a hamster.

Although rats are smart, they are also very smelly. You need to be very vigilant about cleaning the cage since they urinate a lot.

Rats also need a lot of time out of the cage, and handling time, as well as a large enough cage.

If they don't get the attention required, they will become frustrated. If for any reason you decide you can't keep the rat, it isn't that easy to find a new home.

Other than that, research rat care, and decide if you can do the things required. Write down what you would do, how long you would do it, and how much of the care you can afford to help with. Show them you understand rat care.

If you decide you would rather have a different pet, do the same for that pet. I would also ascertain there aren't any family members who may be allergic to any pet you decide to get because that can make things very difficult.

Wait till you get your own place, or prove to them that you can get the money you need to take care of the rat correctly and show them you are responsible to take care of it. If that doesn't work, just wait to get your own place.